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It doesn't take an expert to tell you that it is impossible to design, remodel and decorate an entire addition in one hour. As we all know, "reality TV" isn't all that real. That said, it is often difficult for Home Improvement Specialists to bring their clients' dreams crashing to Earth based on what they've seen on TV.

To properly manage your expectations, here are some of the realities of remodeling home additions you should be aware of:

1. Length of Design Process: In a home remodeling show, the design process usually takes about ten minutes. In reality, this process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. The planning and details are the foundation of the entire project. We are determining all of the design elements as well as making calculations and taking measurements so that we can be sure that everything you want is feasible.

2. Complexity of Ordering Materials: T.V. shows rarely show the entire ordering and delivery process of building materials. Coordinating the order of materials and products for your project can be a complicated process, since we need to know the exact details and measurements of your remodel so that you are not paying for more material than you need. In addition, it is not a guarantee that each company will always send the right style or amounts either, so sometimes we need to send wrong materials back and wait for the right ones to arrive.

3. Amount of Time Spent Negotiating. Many times, the homeowners of a show will either get part or all of the materials and labor included in the deal. When real money is involved, you can bet that the person who is footing the bill is a lot more critical about how everything is done and a great deal more scrutiny is applied to the project. This can lead to more time added on for explanations and changes requested by the homeowner.

4. Government codes and regulations. Local codes and submitting permits are a part of both home remodeling on TV and in reality. However, in the TV shows, that part is already taken care of before the build ever begins, whereas in real life, you are at the mercy of the township or county as well as those who approve and deny your exact changes. This may result in the need to redesign and hold additional meetings to adjust the remodel to fit the governmental rules.

If there's anything about remodeling TV shows that is true, it's the emphasis on homeowner support provided by the remodeler. At Remodeling Concepts, our first priority is our customer. We realize that oftentimes remodeling can be confusing and disruptive, so we strive to make sure our homeowners are kept in the loop at all times. We work very hard to be sure to include all the needed information and details into our communications with the homeowners before any work even begins. Our expert remodelers are here to answer all of your questions and to address any concerns that you may have.